Tammy faces tough Kirilenko test at Pattaya Open

Bangkok Open champion Vania King of the United States dropped just four games in overcoming Russia's Alla Kudryavtseva 6-1 6-3 to advance to the quarterfinals of the US$220,000 PTT Pattaya Open yesterday.

The American eighth seed, who was born to Taiwanese parents, benefited from the Russian's lowly 47 per cent first serve success to complete the second round match in one hour and 24 minutes at the beachside Dusit Thani Hotel.

"I knew it would be tough as we have been friends for a long time. We haven't played for a few years, but the last time she kicked my butt. So I had to play smart, moving her around to stop her rhythm,'' said the world No 59, who turned 23 last week.

King is a familiar face to Thai tennis fans. She dashed Tamarine Tanasugarn's hopes of a home title, beating the country's No 1 in three sets in the 2006 Bangkok Open.

"I always play well here and adjust well to the heat, which is very difficult for many players. I'm happy to pull through two matches,'' said King who is known for her karaoke exploits on the tour. She gave journalists a taste of her skills with a rendition of "Fever", made famous by Peggy Lee, and impressed the whole room.

"I took singing classes when I was five years old. The same time I was also playing tennis, taking dance and piano lessons. In the end I chose tennis and singing,'' explained King, who will play defending champion Daniela Hantuchova of Slovakia.

Sania Mirza, India's No 1 and 2009 finalist here, came back from a break down in the second set to end the surprise run of BritishLaotian Anne Keothavong 6-4 7-5. Next up for Mirza will be the winner between Japan's Kimiko DateKrumm and Hsieh Suwei of Taiwan.

A big crowd is expected today for the clash between lone Thai hope Tammy and fourth-seeded Maria Kirilenko of Russia. Tammy on Wednesday survived illness and three set points to move past Taiwan's Chang Kaichen 7-6 (9-7) 6-3. Fresh from playing in 10 degrees Celsius in Shenzhen, the 34-year-old Thai suffered in the 30degree heat of the beach city, feeling dizzy and taking frequent sips of her drink.

"I was so lucky to pull it off. I felt dizzy and had to drink Cola for the first time of my life to remain fresh. I just told myself to hang in there because I had won the first set already,'' said Tammy who trails the 26thranked Kirilenko 1-2 in headtohead meetings. The last time they met was at Wimbledon last year where the Russian prevailed 7-5 7-5.

"She is a fighter. She runs for every shot and doesn't give free points. At Wimbledon I wasn't focused enough. I hope to fully recover from the match against Chang and play solid tennis in the quarterfinal,'' said Tammy, who has her set on qualifying for this year's London Olympics.